This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
Manchester United legend Alex Ferguson has praised Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo after he was named Portuguese player of the year for a record 10th time on September 3, 2018.
At 34 years old, Ronaldo beat Manchester City's Bernando Silva and Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix to win the award in Lisbon.
Former Real Madrid forward Ronaldo won the award for the first time in 2007 and has dominated the prize since then, except in 2010 and 2014 when he was denied by Simao and Pepe respectively.
After receiving the award, Ronaldo told the audience not to allow circumstances stop them from achieving their goal.
Real Madrid target Bruno Fernandes and Wolves' Ruben Neves were also on the shortlist for the award, but Ronaldo emerged winner.
Former Manchester United boss Ferguson, who is proud of Ronaldo's progress from his days at Sporting Lisbon, congratulated him on his achievement.
"Congratulations on a great achievement and a wonderful night you're going to have in Portugal," Ferguson said in a video played at the ceremony.
"I'm really sorry I can't be with you, but I look back and see you as a young lad at 17 years of age who came to Manchester United, how you have progressed as a human being and a fantastic sportsman," Ferguson added.
